Leica X2 vs Sony A7R III

The Leica X2 and the Sony Alpha A7R III are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively,
in May 2012 and October 2017. The X2 is a fixed lens compact, while the A7R III is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X2) and a full frame (A7R III) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 42.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X2 and the
Sony Alpha A7R III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica X2 and the Sony A7R III is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7R III is
only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size,
the Sony A7R III is considerably larger (42 percent) than the Leica X2. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7R III is splash and dust-proof, while the X2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X2 has a lens built in,
whereas the A7R III is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the A7R III and their specifications in the Sony FE Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the X2 gets 450 shots out of its BP-DC8 battery,
while the A7R III can take 650 images on a single charge of its NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A7R III can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left
comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and
choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The X2 was launched at a lower price than the A7R III, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica X2 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7R III
a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R III is 133 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 42.2MP, the A7R III offers a higher
resolution than the X2 (16.1MP), but the A7R III has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of
4.52μm versus 4.79μm for the X2). Yet, the A7R III is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 5 months) than the X2, and its sensor
will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R III has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The A7R III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the X2, the A7R III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Leica X2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500.
The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R III are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

Camera Model

Sensor Class

Resolution (MP)

Horiz. Pixels

Vert. Pixels

Video Format

DXO Portrait

DXO Landscape

DXO Sports

DXO Overall

Camera Model

Leica X2

APS-C

16.1

4928

3264

none

..

..

..

..

Leica X2

Sony A7R III

Full Frame

42.2

7952

5304

4K/30p

26.0

14.7

3523

100

Sony A7R III

Fujifilm X100S

APS-C

16.0

4896

3264

1080/60p

..

..

..

..

Fujifilm X100S

Fujifilm X-A1

APS-C

16.0

4896

3264

1080/30p

..

..

..

..

Fujifilm X-A1

Fujifilm X-E2

APS-C

16.0

4896

3264

1080/60p

..

..

..

..

Fujifilm X-E2

Leica TL

APS-C

16.1

4928

3264

1080/30p

..

..

..

..

Leica TL

Leica T

APS-C

16.2

4944

3278

1080/30p

23.0

12.7

1082

75

Leica T

Leica X Typ 113

APS-C

16.1

4928

3264

1080/30p

..

..

..

..

Leica X Typ 113

Leica X Vario

APS-C

16.1

4928

3272

1080/30p

23.4

12.7

1320

78

Leica X Vario

Leica X1

APS-C

12.2

4272

2856

none

..

..

..

..

Leica X1

Nikon Z7

Full Frame

45.4

8256

5504

4K/30p

26.3

14.6

2668

99

Nikon Z7

Nikon Coolpix A

APS-C

16.1

4928

3264

1080/30p

23.4

13.8

1164

80

Nikon Coolpix A

Ricoh GR

APS-C

16.1

4928

3264

1080/30p

23.6

13.5

972

78

Ricoh GR

Sony A9

Full Frame

24.0

6000

4000

4K/30p

24.9

13.3

3517

92

Sony A9

Sony A99 II

Full Frame

42.2

7952

5304

4K/30p

25.4

13.4

2317

92

Sony A99 II

Sony A7R II

Full Frame

42.2

7952

5304

4K/30p

26.0

13.9

3434

98

Sony A7R II

Sony A7S II

Full Frame

12.0

4240

2832

4K/30p

23.6

13.3

2993

85

Sony A7S II

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The A7R III indeed provides for movie recording, while the X2 does not. The highest resolution format that the A7R III can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7R III has an electronic viewfinder (3686k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight.
In contrast, the X2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the X2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica X2 and Sony A7R III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

Camera Model

Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots)

Control Panel (yes/no)

LCD Size (inch)

LCD Resolution ('000 dots)

LCD Attach- ment

Touch Screen (yes/no)

Mech Shutter Speed

Shutter Flaps (1/sec)

Built-in Flash (yes/no)

Built-in Image Stab

Camera Model

Leica X2

optional

n

2.7

230

fixed

n

1/2000s

5.0

Y

n

Leica X2

Sony A7R III

3686

n

3.0

1440

tilting

Y

1/8000s

10.0

n

Y

Sony A7R III

Fujifilm X100S

2360

n

2.8

460

fixed

n

1/4000s

6.0

Y

n

Fujifilm X100S

Fujifilm X-A1

none

n

3.0

920

tilting

n

1/4000s

5.6

Y

n

Fujifilm X-A1

Fujifilm X-E2

2360

n

3.0

1040

fixed

n

1/4000s

7.0

Y

n

Fujifilm X-E2

Leica TL

optional

n

3.7

1230

fixed

Y

1/4000s

5.0

Y

n

Leica TL

Leica T

optional

n

3.7

1300

fixed

Y

1/4000s

5.0

Y

n

Leica T

Leica X Typ 113

optional

n

3.0

920

fixed

n

1/2000s

5.0

Y

n

Leica X Typ 113

Leica X Vario

optional

n

3.0

920

fixed

n

1/2000s

5.0

Y

n

Leica X Vario

Leica X1

none

n

2.7

230

fixed

n

1/2000s

3.0

Y

n

Leica X1

Nikon Z7

3690

Y

3.2

2100

tilting

Y

1/8000s

9.0

n

Y

Nikon Z7

Nikon Coolpix A

optional

n

3.0

921

fixed

n

1/2000s

4.0

Y

n

Nikon Coolpix A

Ricoh GR

optional

n

3.0

1230

fixed

n

1/4000s

4.0

Y

n

Ricoh GR

Sony A9

3686

n

3.0

1440

tilting

Y

1/8000s

20.0

n

Y

Sony A9

Sony A99 II

2400

Y

3.0

1229

full-flex

n

1/8000s

12.0

n

Y

Sony A99 II

Sony A7R II

2400

n

3.0

1229

tilting

n

1/8000s

5.0

n

Y

Sony A7R II

Sony A7S II

2400

n

3.0

1229

tilting

n

1/8000s

5.0

n

Y

Sony A7S II

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X2 has one, while the A7R III does not.
While the built-in flash of the X2 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while
others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7R III is one of those camera that have an additional
electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or
shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A7R III has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to
capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The X2 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the A7R III uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A7R III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X2
only has one slot. The A7R III supports UHS-II cards on its first slot and UHS-I on its second one, while the X2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica X2 and Sony Alpha A7R III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

Camera Model

Hotshoe Port

Internal Microphone

Internal Speaker

Microphone Port

Headphone Port

HDMI Port

USB Port

WiFi Support

NFC Support

Bluetooth Support

Camera Model

Leica X2

Y

none

none

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Leica X2

Sony A7R III

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

3.1

Y

Y

Y

Sony A7R III

Fujifilm X100S

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

-

-

-

Fujifilm X100S

Fujifilm X-A1

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

Y

-

-

Fujifilm X-A1

Fujifilm X-E2

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Fujifilm X-E2

Leica TL

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Leica TL

Leica T

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

none

2.0

Y

-

-

Leica T

Leica X Typ 113

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Leica X Typ 113

Leica X Vario

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Leica X Vario

Leica X1

Y

none

none

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Leica X1

Nikon Z7

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

3.1

Y

-

Y

Nikon Z7

Nikon Coolpix A

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

none

2.0

-

-

-

Nikon Coolpix A

Ricoh GR

Y

mono

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

-

-

-

Ricoh GR

Sony A9

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Sony A9

Sony A99 II

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

Y

Sony A99 II

Sony A7R II

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony A7R II

Sony A7S II

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony A7S II

It is notable that the A7R III offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data
to an off-camera location. In contrast, the X2 does not offer wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A7R III (unlike the X2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights
can be controlled by the camera.

Both the X2 and the A7R III have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used
on eBay. The A7R III was replaced by the Sony A7R IV, while the X2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official
Leica and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica X2 better than the Sony A7R III or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Leica X2:

Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.

Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the A7R III requires a separate lens.

More compact: Is smaller (124x69mm vs 127x96mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.

Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the A7R III).

Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.

More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.

More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.

More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in May 2012).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7R III:

More detail: Has more megapixels (42.2 vs 16.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 62%.

Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.

High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.

Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.

More modern: Reflects 5 years and 5 months of technical progress since the X2 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R III is the clear winner of the contest (30 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges
from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera
is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X2 or the A7R III perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge,
reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.